9:56 a.m., Aug. 30, 2010----Richard P. Wool is a 2011 recipient of the American Chemical Society (ACS) award for Affordable Green Chemistry. Wool is a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and director of the Affordable Composites from Renewable Research (ACRES) program at the University of Delaware.

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The award, sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company and endowed by Rohm and Haas Company, is given annually in recognition of scientific discovery of new eco-friendly chemistries with the potential to enable products or manufacturing processes that are less expensive than existing alternatives.

Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development (ORD) and science adviser to the agency, nominated Wool for his work in the development of biobased materials from renewable resources.

Wool's research centers on the use of soybean oil and chicken feathers in new bio-based composite materials, including computer circuit boards and hurricane-resistant roofs. Wool is using the bio-based materials in support of several renewable energy projects, such as wind, solar, hydrogen storage and energy efficient housing, as practical solutions to global warming.

“Recent advances in genetic engineering, composite science and natural fiber development offer significant opportunities for new, improved green materials that are recyclable, biocompatible and biodegradable, which enhances global sustainability,” says Wool.

These resins also have traditional applications in agricultural equipment, automotive sheet molding compounds, civil and rail infrastructures, marine applications, electronic materials, and sports equipment.

Wool will receive the award, which was established in 2007, at the society's 241st national meeting in Anaheim, Calif., on March 29, 2011. His research will be highlighted during the conference at a symposium held in his honor.

Article by Karen B. Roberts